Baby Boomers Break Tradition of Pet Ownership Declining with Age

The baby boomer generation (those born from 1946 to 1964) sure love their pets. Historically, pet ownership declines with age due to the owner’s health issues or the cost of care for the pet. However, baby boomers are breaking this pattern.

The 2015 National Pet Owners Survey shows baby boomers still represent 37 percent of all pet owners. That’s approximately 77 million pet owners from this generation.

Pets offer many benefits to people of all ages, especially retirees. Pets provide comfort and companionship, help overcome loneliness, and give you a sense of purpose. In addition, they encourage us to say more active which in turn produces numerous health benefits such as weight loss and lowering blood pressure.

However if you like the idea of pet ownership but aren’t physically or financially able to make that full-time commitment, there are programs out there for you. Some organizations provide therapy dogs for visits to senior centers, retirement communities, and even your own home. Many animal shelters have programs that specialize in matching retirees with the appropriate pet and allow adoption at reduced costs.

The bond between an owner and their pet is a special one. The baby boomer generation is showing no signs of breaking that bond.